RIYADH: Abu Dhabi’s electricity and water company has granted approval for Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power to commence work on the second phase of its Al Taweelah desalination project. The seawater reverse osmosis plant began initial operations at 50 percent capacity, producing 454,610 cubic meters per day of desalinated water in June 2022. The second phase will see the plant achieve its full capacity of 909,200 cubic meters per day. Connected to the Abu Dhabi network, Al Taweelah provides over 100 million gallons of desalinated water daily. It will eventually reach 200 million gallons per day, making it the world’s largest reverse osmosis facility. The plant supports the industries and the community at Al Taweelah and the surrounding areas. The facility, partially powered by solar energy, employs low carbon-intensive reverse osmosis technology. However, solar energy will be used to power 30 percent of the plant within eight years. ACWA Power acts as the lead developer and operator of the project with a 40 percent ownership.